Analysis
The challenge here is stark: while Texas programs in electrical and power transmission typically produce first-year earnings around $76,000, Brazosport's program appears to generate closer to $45,000 based on national peer programs. That's a $30,000 gap that matters significantly when your child is choosing where to invest two years and $12,000 in debt.
What explains this divergence? Texas State Technical College—the state's benchmark for this field—demonstrates what's possible in this market, with graduates commanding substantially higher wages. The difference may stem from curriculum focus, industry connections, or geographic job placement. Programs that emphasize utility-scale power transmission and substation work typically lead to higher-paying utility positions, while those focused on residential or light commercial installation produce more modest starting salaries.
The debt load itself is manageable at an estimated $12,000, representing just three months of expected earnings. But the real question is opportunity cost: could your child access one of Texas's stronger programs in this field? If Brazosport's location or schedule makes it uniquely accessible, the program still leads to viable electrical work. However, if other Texas technical colleges are realistic options, the earnings difference could amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars over a career. Before committing, contact Brazosport directly about their placement outcomes and compare curricula with higher-earning programs to understand what drives the gap.
Where Brazosport College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical and power transmission installers associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,388 | $44,727* | — | $12,000* | — | |
| $7,192 | $76,445* | $96,478 | $11,668* | 0.15 | |
| National Median | — | $44,727* | — | $12,748* | 0.29 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical and power transmission installers graduates
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electricians
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Solar Energy Installation Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Brazosport College, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 51 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.